Treating eczema and/or psoriasis

ABSTRACT

The treatment of humans or other mammals for eczema and/or psoriasis using dosage forms or compositions that include cetyl myristate alone or (in admixture or serially) both cetyl myristate and cetyl palmitate.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/405,203, filed Feb. 24, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 11/056,008, filed Feb. 14, 2005, now U.S. Pat. No.8,147,851, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.10/275,269, filed Feb. 12, 2003, now abandoned, which is a nationalphase of PCT Application No. PCT/NZ01/00085, filed May 11, 2001, whichclaims benefit of New Zealand Application No. 507228, filed Sep. 28,2000 and New Zealand Application No. 504525, filed May 12, 2000, whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a method of treatment and/orprophylaxis of eczema and psoriasis.

BACKGROUND

Eczema can be described as an inflammation of the skin where swelling,redness, itching or a burning sensation is present. Sometimes the firstinflammation is felt, rather than seen, as it is immediately beneath theskin's surface. Eczema can also be seen as reddened spots, scales,crusts or blisters may also be present, either alone or in combination.It may take a mild form, or be more severe, as in the case of psoriasis.

The present invention has surprisingly determined that the ingestion ofcetyl myristate, and particularly cetyl myristate in conjunction withcetyl palmitate, provides an effective treatment of eczema and/orpsoriasis.

Cetyl myristate and cetyl palmitate can each be sourced from animals orvegetables. Cetyl myristate is not to be mistaken for cetyl myristoleatewhich is also a fatty acid derived traditionally from spermaceti bysaponification and more recently from the tallow of bovine(s).

Reference is made to U.S. Pat. No. 4,113,881 where it is disclosed thatthe administration of an effective amount of cetyl myristoleate to amammal is useful in inhibiting or relieving the symptoms of inflammatoryrheumatoid arthritis in mammals. Also in U.S. Pat. No. 5,569,676 thereis disclosure of the use of cetyl myristoleate in the treatment ofosteo-arthritis.

It is thought that cetyl myristate has a negligible anti-arthriticactivity in laboratory experiments and reference is made to the websitewww.gcinutrients.com/Newletter.com. However this point is arguable and aproduct known as cetyl myristate sold by Amerex Corporation of Vista,Calif. purports that cetyl myristate is useful for the treatment ofarthritis.

Cetyl myristate is derived from the saturated fatty acid, myristic acid.This acid is found in nutmeg butter, in the fats of Myristicaceae, inpalm seed fats, milk fats and also sperm whale oil. Reference is made toU.S. Pat. No. 2,481,365 which discloses the preparation of myristic acidfrom tall-oil fatty acids. It is to be noted that Amerex Corporationsource the cetyl myristate used in their products from sunflower oil.See their website at www.hollinet.com.

Cetyl palmitate is derived from the fatty acid, palmitic acid whichoccurs as the glycerol ester in many oils and fats such as palm oil orChinese vegetable tallow. A synthetic method of preparation is to reactpalmitoyl chloride and cetyl alcohol in the presence of magnesium. Seethe Merck Index, 12th edition at page 336. Reference is also made toU.S. Pat. No. 3,169,099 which discloses a biosynthetic method ofproducing cetyl palmitate.

It is an objection of the present invention to provide a medicament toaid in the treatment and/or prophylaxis of eczema and psoriasis whichwill provide an alternative to existing treatments or to provide thepublic with a useful choice.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

As indicated earlier the present invention is directed to the treatmentand/or prophylaxis of eczema and/or psoriasis reliant uponadministration (whether by self administration or otherwise) of eithercetyl myristate or cetyl myristate and cetyl palmitate (whether givensimultaneously in admixture or not or given serially).

The present invention also encompasses the prospect of dosage forms thatin some instances might contain cetyl myristate alone and in otherinstances both cetyl myristate and cetyl palmitate and dosage regimesthat might use one dosage form or both.

In another aspect the invention is a method of treatment and/orprophylaxis of a mammal for eczema and/or psoriasis which comprises orincludes administering or having self administered to such mammal aneffective amount of either

(a) cetyl myristate, or

(b) cetyl myristate and cetyl palmitate.

Preferably said administration is orally of (b) whether as a mixture ofboth cetyl myristate and cetyl palmitate, or serially.

Preferably the effective amount is of (b).

Preferably said administration is with a mixture of cetyl myristate inconjunction with cetyl palmitate where the cetyl myristate comprisesfrom 50 to 98% w/w of the mixture.

Preferably said effective amount of (a) or (b) is by means of one ormore capsules.

In one type of use said mammal is a human being suffering from eczemaand the administration is for treatment purposes.

In another type of use said mammal is a human being suffering frompsoriasis and the administration is for treatment purposes.

In another aspect the invention is an oral pharmaceutical compositionfor treating eczema which comprises or includes both cetyl myristate andcetyl palmitate.

In still another aspect the invention is an oral pharmaceuticalcomposition for treating psoriasis which comprises or includes bothcetyl myristate and cetyl palmitate.

Preferably said cetyl myristate comprises at least 50% by weight of thecomposition.

Preferably said composition also includes at least one pharmaceuticallyacceptable excipient and/or diluent.

In still another aspect the invention is an oral dosage unit effectivein the treatment of eczema and/or psoriasis, said dosage unit havingeither

(a) cetyl myristate, or

(b) a mixture of cetyl myristate and cetyl palmitate.

Preferably said dosage unit has (b) and said cetyl myristate in any suchmixture comprises from 50 to 98% w/w of the mixture.

In another variant the dosage unit has (a) only and there is between 5to 400 mg of cetyl myristate.

Preferably in the dosage use, where (b) is present, there is from 5 to400 mg of the mixture of cetyl myristate and cetyl palmitate.

Preferably (a) or (b) is in a capsule.

Preferably said capsule also includes a pharmaceutically acceptableexcipient and/or diluent.

Preferably the dosage unit includes silicon dioxide.

Preferably the dosage unit also contains calcium phosphate and/ormagnesium oxide.

Preferably the dosage unit also includes additionally at one traceelement.

In another aspect the invention is a liquid composition being also acomposition as aforesaid or a dosage unit as aforesaid.

In another aspect the invention is the use, in the manufacture of oraldosage units for the treatment or prophylaxis of eczema and/or psoriasisin a mammal, of

(a) cetyl myristate, or

(b) a mixture of cetyl myristate and cetyl palmitate, or

(c) cetyl palmitate.

In another aspect the invention is the use, in the manufacture of oraldosage units for the treatment or prophylaxis of eczema and/or psoriasisin a mammal, of

(i) cetyl myristate, and

(ii) cetyl palmitate.

We have also noted that the present invention in conjunction with anaccelerated wound healing utilising topical composition (for example asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,775,291) can supplement effectively theeffects thereof with oral dosages of either (a) or (b) as defined above.

The mixture can use cetyl myristate available from a commercial sourcesuch as EHP Products Inc., Mt. Pleasant, S.C. or Amerex Corporation,Vista, Calif.

The mixture can use cetyl palmitate derived from a source such as, forexample, Quimica Croda, S.A. de C.V, Circuito Medicos No. 47. Apdo.Postal 71-A Cd. Satelite, 53100 Naucalpan, Edo. de Mexico, Mexico oronline at www.butterburandsage.com.

Most ideally however the mixture is synthesized from starting materialsutilising the procedures as disclosed in New Zealand PatentSpecification No. 332959 which involves reacting both myristic acid andpalmitic acid with a cetyl alcohol at an elevated temperature in thepresence of at least one acid catalyst and at least one aromatichydrocarbon. The aromatic hydrocarbon fraction then contains the cetylmyristate and cetyl palmitate from whence it can be crystallised.

The full content of NZ 332959 is here incorporated by way of reference.

This crystallised form can then be ground up, dissolved and mixed with asuitable general pharmacy liquid to be administered to a person. Thecrystals are usually dissolved in hot water before adding to thepharmacy liquid which is usually a sugar syrup available from mostpharmaceutical companies. The liquid is made up to a concentration of 70w/v.

Alternatively the crystals may be ground up into a powder and combinedwith magnesium oxide, silicon oxide and fine di-calcium phosphate. Thispowder can then be transferred into capsules for oral ingestion into thebody. The capsules used are VEGICAP™ that are non-gelatin containing.

The mode of administration is preferably oral. The dosage unit can beeither a swallowable capsule or some alternative (preferably having theactive ingredient(s) as a wax-like solid or can be an orally consumableliquid composition (e.g., made up with a general pharmacy type carriersuch as methyl cellulose)).

Other modes of administration can include transdermal and suppositorydelivery (the latter being generally contraindicated having regard tothe targeted condition).

The administration process involves either orally ingesting capsules ordrinking the liquid formulation either on an empty stomach or not. Thenumber of capsules or liquid taken depends on the size and severity ofthe persons condition. Generally, an adult suffering from Eczema and/orpsoriasis is advised to take at least 4 capsules 3 times daily of adosage unit as described in the invention, whereas for a child this isreduced to half or less. The dosage may be increased or decreaseddepending on whether the symptoms begin to clear up.

Similarly for the liquid formulation where an amount of liquidequivalent to at least 4 capsules is prescribed which is to be taken 3times daily. That is 4200 mg of cetyl myristate or the mixture of cetylmyristate and cetyl palmitate.

The present invention will hereafter be described with reference totrial examples which give an indication of the condition of the patientprior to taking the dosage unit of either the capsule or liquid form asdescribed in the present invention and the subsequent condition of thepatient after taking the dosage unit as described in the presentinvention.

The condition of a flexural point of patient 1 before taking the liquiddosage as described in the invention: eczema has inflamed and swollenthe skin tissue to a point that a lesion has formed with a crust formingaround the edges of the lesion as the body is trying to repair the skin.The patient was then prescribed the liquid dosage as described in theinvention at a dosage rate of 5 mls 3 times daily. The same flexuralpoint one week after taking the liquid dosage as prescribed:inflammation and swelling previously present one week before has nowdiminished and the lesion is now healing over. The same flexural pointtwo weeks after taking the liquid dosage as prescribed: the lesion hasnow completely healed, there is no longer any inflammation or swellingand the skin where the lesion had been is now clear of any eczema.

The condition of patient 2's upper arm, wrist and leg, respectively,before taking the liquid dosage as described in the invention: eczemahas inflamed and swollen the skin tissue to a point that multiplelesions and spots have formed, this is particularly so at the flexuralpoint. The patient was then prescribed the liquid dosage as described inthe invention at a dosage rate of 5 mls 3 times daily. The same leg 6days after taking the prescribed dosage as described in this invention:inflammation and swelling previously present has now decreased where themultiple lesions have started to heal over and have become superficial.The same upper arm and wrist area 27 days after taking the prescribeddosage as described in this invention: multiple lesions and spots havehealed over leaving only the scar tissue from the eczema. The flexuralpoint has healing scabs where previously there had multiple lesions,

The condition of the wrists of patient 5 before taking the liquid dosageas described in this invention: eczema has caused multiple inflamedspots on the skin which have formed a crust over the areas of swelling.The patient was then prescribed the liquid dosage as described in theinvention at a dosage rate of 5 mls, 3 times a day. The wrists ofpatient 5, 18 days after taking the dosage as described in thisinvention: skin where the eczema had affected has now completely clearedup of the eczema with the skin returning to a normal appearance, withoutany scars or presence of the customary spots of eczema,

The condition of a flexural region on the elbow of patient 5 beforetaking the liquid dosage as described in this invention: eczema hascaused inflamed spots and lesions to form along the creases of theflexural region. The patient was then prescribed the liquid dosage asdescribed in the invention at a dosage rate of 5 mls, 3 times a day. Thesame flexural region after patient 5 has taken the prescribed dosageafter 18 days: eczema has cleared up, the swelling and inflammation hasdisappeared and the skin has returned to a normal appearance.

The condition of the upper thigh of patient 7 before taking the liquiddosage as described in this invention: eczema has caused splotchyinflamed spots to appear on the skin. The patient was then prescribedthe liquid dosage as described in the invention at a dosage rate of 5mls, 3 times a day. The same upper thigh of patient 7 after taking theprescribed dosage for one week: eczema has almost disappeared with onlya few spots remaining that are no longer inflamed.

The condition of patient 9's stomach area before taking the liquiddosage as described in this invention: eczema has caused patchy spots toappear all over the skin and unlike the previous figures, this eczema isnot as inflamed or swollen. The patient was then prescribed the liquiddosage as described in the invention at a dosage rate of 7.5 mls, 3times a day. The same stomach area 19 days after taking the liquiddosage as prescribed: the area is now clear of eczema with the skinstarting to return to a smooth appearance, however the spots of eczemaare still present.

The condition of patient 8's stomach area before taking the liquiddosage as described in this invention: eczema has caused inflamed redpatchy spots to appear all over the skin. The body has been trying toheal the eczema and so there is also associated tan coloured patchyspots all over the skin as well. The patient was then prescribed theliquid dosage as described in the invention at a dosage rate of 5 mls, 3times a day. The same stomach area 6 months after taking the liquiddosage as prescribed: eczema has now completely disappeared with theskin returning to a smooth blemish free appearance.

The condition of patient 10's arm before taking the capsule dosage asdescribed in this invention: eczema has caused the skin to be scaly anddry with the associated inflammation and swelling of the skin inlocalised areas. The patient was then prescribed with the capsules of adosage unit as described in this invention which were taken in groupingsof 4 capsules, 3 times a day. The same arm almost 6 months after patient10 has taken the capsule dosage as prescribed: skin is no longer dry andscaly. Rather the skin has a sheen that makes the skin appear as thoughthe moisture has been replaced. The inflammation and swelling hasdecreased although it has not disappeared completely.

The condition of patient 4's wrist before taking the liquid dosage asdescribed in this invention: eczema has caused inflammation and swellingof the skin along the flexural lines between the wrist and hand withsmall spots and lesions forming. The patient was then prescribed theliquid dosage as described in the invention at a dosage rate of 10 mls,3 times a day. The same wrist 9 days after taking the prescribed dosage:the spots and inflammation have gone and the skin is returning to asmooth unblemished appearance. After about 2 weeks of taking the dosage,the skin is retaining the smooth unblemished appearance. After about 6weeks of taking the dosage, there are now healing scabs along theflexural regions between the hand and wrist.

The condition of patient 4's flexural region on the arm before takingthe liquid dosage as described in this invention: eczema has causedinflammation and swelling of the skin along the flexural lines withsmall spots forming. The patient was then prescribed the liquid dosageas described in the invention at a dosage rate of 10 mls, 3 times a day.The same flexural region 9 days after patient 4 has been taking theprescribed dosage: skin where the eczema had affected is now healingwith the inflammation and redness disappearing. The skin is nowreturning to a smooth unblemished appearance.

The oral administration for the treatment of eczema and/or psoriasis canbe in addition to any other medicament administered for such ailmentwhether administered orally, topically, parenterally, sublingually, etc.

In practice the present invention will involve ideally oral selfadministration of effective quantities of cetyl myristate alone or morepreferably as a mixture of both cetyl myristate and cetyl palmitate.

Preferably in any such mixture the cetyl myristate comprises at leastabout half of the mixture or the serial application on a weight toweight basis. It is envisaged that daily doses will vary depending onpatient needs and may range from 1 to 20 capsules per day. A capsuleideally contains between 5 to 370 mg of the mixture or cetyl myristate.

Trials with a variety of patients reliant upon dosage forms of cetylmyristate alone have shown favourable responses insofar as relief fromthe symptoms of IBS and/or IBD are concerned. It has been found howeverthat enhanced benefits occur where there is at least a small proportionof cetyl palmitate in addition to the cetyl myristate and it is to theuse of one such ratio of these active ingredients that the followingtrial examples relate.

Examples of use follows. Each briefly describes the patient's conditionbefore and after the stated treatment using dosage forms (ie; “of theinvention”) each having about 350 mg of the mixture of cetyl myristateand cetyl palmitate. That mixture comprises by weight 95% cetylmyristate and 5% cetyl palmitate by weight manufactured by the processas disclosed in NZ Patent Specification No. 332959. In addition addedexcipients were present in the non gelatin two part capsule case.

TRIAL EXAMPLES

Patient 1 is Male and 5½ Years Old.

Has suffered since birth from eczema with associated intense pruritusgenerally all over the body. Patient 1 had multiple use of allopathicand homeopathic treatments including steroids and was on 11 differentmedications including Elocon, and a hydrocortisone cream.

At the first appointment, patient 1 was provided with the liquid form ofa dosage unit as described in this invention which was taken at the rateof 5 mls 3 times a day.

Three weeks later, patient 1 showed marked improvement over the entirebody and all itching and psoriasis had stopped.

At the conclusion of 6 weeks, the patient's skin was virtually normaland soft with all infected lesions totally healed.

Patient 1 maintains a daily dose of 5 mls 3 times a day and is nowsymptom and conventional medication free.

Patient 2 is Male and 3 Years Old.

Had eczema from head to toe with marked scratching apparent over theupper and lower limbs. The patient was unable to sleep due to thescratching and used a wide range of allopathic medical moisturisers andsteroids to try and cure the eczema.

At the first appointment patient 2 was provided with the liquid form ofa dosage unit as described in this invention which was taken at the rateof 5 mls 3 a day.

One month later, the itching was gone, patient 2 was sleeping throughthe night, and the skin was more normal although there was still somescratching evident.

Two months later as there had not been any more improvement the dose wasincreased to 10 mls 4 times a day. This resulted in a marked improvementall over the skin surface.

The patient's skin is now nearing normal and now uses only a mildemollient and Fucicort to treat local areas of infection in conjunctionwith the invention. No other medications are used.

Patient 3 is Female and 3 Years Old.

Had eczema over the legs, arms and abdomen with very rough, dry sandpaper like skin. Patient 3 since birth had used bath oil and steroidcreams to no avail.

At the first appointment patient 3 was provided with the liquid form ofa dosage unit as described in this invention which was taken at the rateof 5 mls 3 times a day.

Two weeks later, the patient was seen again. There had been a markedimprovement in the skin, especially in the extremity and abdomenregions. This dosage has now been reduced to 5 ml once daily.

The skin is continuing to soften and there is no longer any psoriasis.Patient 3 no longer takes any other medication or creams apart from theinvention.

Patient 4 is Female and 6½ Years of Age.

This young girl has had chronic eczema since 18 months of age and hasbeen associated with very dry cracking skin associated with intensepsoriasis. Her mother has used extensive amounts of hydrocortisone,Elecon (another steroidal cream) and BK Lotion, all of which managed tocontain the eczema in local patches. However, the skin has continued tobe dry and itchy.

At the first appointment Patient 4 was provided with the liquid form ofa dosage unit as described in this invention which was taken at a rateof 10 ml, 3 times a day. She was assessed in approximately one week andshowed marked improvement, where her skin was less dry and the psoriasisor itch had improved.

Patient 4 continued with the invention over the next three months andcontinued improvement. Where her skin returned to normal with a lovelysoft texture and the natural oils or sebaceous secretions weresufficient to moisturise her skin naturally. She has now used themedication for two years with no relapses.

Patient 5 is Female and 7 Years Old.

Had severe eczema at all flexural surfaces i.e knees, elbows, wrists andwas on a medication of potent steroids including Dermol and Eumovatecream.

At the first appointment patient 5 was provided with the liquid form ofa dosage unit as described in this invention which was taken at the rateof 10 mls 2 times a day which was mixed with honey.

Two and a half weeks later, the skin was beginning to return to normalon all flexural surfaces. This skin continued to improve and now patient5 is symptom free and no longer taking the steroids. The patient hascontinued on with the invention.

Patient 6 is Male and 28 Years Old.

Had eczema over the entire body with associated intense psoriasis withroughened skin over the abdomen and back. He also suffered an intenseitch at multiple small cracks in flexural regions of the body and wasunable to participate in sport as the perspiration entering the crackscaused intense stinging and pain.

At the first appointment patient 6 was provided with capsules of adosage unit as described in this invention which were taken in groupingsof 4 capsules 3 times a day.

Three weeks later, the skin had improved in texture, the itching and thedryness had gone, and the number of cracks at the flexural areas haddecreased.

The patient has suffered a relapse after 6 weeks; when the patientdiscontinued with the invention.

But upon resuming with the programme proscribed with the invention thepatients skin returned to its former state and the patient now enjoysnormal skin. He has been taking the invention for over a year now.

Patient 7 is Female and 3 Years of Age.

Patient 7 at age two was first seen with chronic eczema. Previoustreatment included various bath oils, and a variety of hydrocortisonemoisturising creams gave minimal improvement, and the eczema remainedextensively all over her body.

Patient 7 was provided with the liquid form of a dosage unit asdescribed in this invention which was taken at a rate of 5 ml, 3 times aday

Patient 7 was reviewed after one week and showed a marked improvement.She has since continued with the invention and is on a maintenance doseof 5 ml once a day. She has used this medication over the last year, andhas gone for periods of about six months without using the invention asdescribed, however during the winter, she goes back on the inventionagain. She no longer takes any other medication.

Patient 8 is Male and 6 Months Old.

Patient 8 was seen first on 1 Nov. 2000 with a history of eczema sincebirth. The eczema covered his entire body, over arms, abdomen and face.The mother had been using various natural remedies and moisturisingcreams, such as Alpha Keri lotion and bath oils. However, he was veryunsettled because of the psoriasis.

At the first appointment he was provided with the liquid form of adosage unit as described in this invention which was taken at a rate of5 ml 3 times a day. He was reviewed in one week's time where there was amarked improvement.

The skin on his abdomen, legs and face have now completely returned tonormal. He now continues to do well on a maintenance dose of 5 ml, twicea day.

Patient 9 is Female and is 5 Years of Age.

Patient 9 has had eczema all her life. She does not get a full night'ssleep because of the itch of psoriasis and has had recurrent infections.This has caused severe stress in her family. The mother had used allforms of steroid cream and had taken her daughter to naturopaths andhomeopaths. All medications and portions prescribed did not alleviatethe eczema and or psoriasis. This patient further has multiple allergiesand is on a very strict diet. At the first appointment she was providedwith the liquid form of a dosage unit as described in this inventionwhich was taken at a rate of 7.5 ml, 3 times a day. She was reviewed ina week. There was some reduction in the psoriasis or itch, and the skintexture had improved slightly. The dosage was then increased to 10 ml,three times a day, and she was review in two weeks' time.

Her condition had improved sufficiently in that she was now getting agood night's sleep and her skin although improved in texture, had notgot to a soft delicate feeling yet. However, due to the increase insleep and less itching she was a much brighter, happier child.

Patient 10 is Female and 37 Years of Age.

Patient 10 has had severe chronic eczema involving her entire body,particularly her lower limbs. Patient 10 was only tried alternativemedications including different supplements of Vitamin E, UPA oil andvarious lotions and lubricating creams to reduce the itch and problemwith her skin.

At the first appointment Patient 10 was provided with capsules of adosage unit as described in this invention which were taken in groupingsof 4 capsules, 3 times daily. She has now been taking this dosage forapproximately one year. She has reduced the dosage to 3 capsules, 3times a day.

Patient 10 has lost all the itch and psoriasis that is associated witheczema and the texture in her skin, and particularly her lower legs havedramatically improved.

Patient 11 is Male and 41 Years of Age.

Patient 11 has severe chronic eczema associated with his face, arms,legs and abdomen. He was also very disturbed by the psoriasis orconstant itch that was associated with his condition. He has beentreated by dermatologists and has used high potency steroid creams,lubricating creams, including Aquacare and Lipobase.

At the first appointment Patient 11 was provided with capsules of adosage unit as described in this invention which were taken in groupingsof 4 capsules, 3 times daily.

He was assessed after one week where his psoriasis had now improved andhe was able to sleeping through the night without having to scratch. Hewas assessed again after talking the prescribed dosage after a further 3months and his skin has become soft and the psoriasis has completelycleared up.

He has discovered that if he stops taking the invention the rash andeczema return in approximately four days of stopping the treatment.

Improvement in overall skin condition is seen when a patient isprescribed the dosage unit as described in the invention. The intensityof the inflammation and the reduction in scaliness of the skin isreduced. Further the lesions produced by the eczema and psoriasis arereduced and the skin has virtually cleared up.

We claim:
 1. A method of treatment of eczema in a mammal, comprisingadministering or having self-administered to said mammal an effectiveamount of a medicament consisting of cetyl palmitate and one or both ofan excipient and a diluent, wherein said administration is oraladministration.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said mammal is a humanbeing suffering from eczema.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein saidmedicament is a capsule.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said cetylpalmitate is present in a dosage unit containing between 0.1 to 200 mgcetyl palmitate.
 5. A method of treatment of eczema in a mammal,comprising administering or having self-administered to said mammal aneffective amount of a medicament for relief of a symptom of eczema,wherein said medicament consists of cetyl palmitate and one or both ofan excipient and a diluent.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein saidmammal is a human being suffering from eczema.
 7. The method of claim 5,wherein said medicament is a capsule.
 8. The method of claim 5, whereinsaid cetyl palmitate is present in a dosage unit containing between 0.1to 200 mg cetyl palmitate.